Cabin Fever

In the countryside lies a small cabin surrounded by a field where several horses and a miniature donkey may graze or stand alongside the fence awaiting a patron who'll feed them a muffin. Inside, the cabin feels just like a cozy mountain getaway—from a fireplace and mismatched furniture down to the Colorado-inspired decor including a grand antler chandelier and a giant fish.

The Trek Coffee Company cabin—the only one in Oklahoma—sits just outside Washington south of Norman. Though it isn't a large space, each nook and cranny is filled with comfort and the toasty aroma of coffee.

Owner Mike Higgins is a man of many flavors. He's a pilot, an entrepreneur, and a former oilfield worker. Though Higgins is originally from Washington, it was his time building houses in Colorado that gave way to Trek. While living in Crested Butte for eight years, he began his daily morning routine of waking up with a cup of fresh coffee.

Mike and Christina Higgins also sell bags of whole beans with the option to have them ground with free delivery in Norman. Photo by Brent Fuchs

"The time I spent in Colorado drinking cups of fresh-roasted coffee inspired me to want fresh-roasted coffee here in Oklahoma upon my return," Higgins says.

So after he moved back in 2008, Higgins purchased a roaster, began buying beans from different points of origin, and set himself on the path to becoming a coffee connoisseur. He soon saw the business potential after originally only giving bags of his roasted beans to family and friends. But he wanted his own space dedicated to coffee.

"Building beautiful homes in Colorado inspired my desire to build the coffee cabin," Higgins says.

Trek Coffee Company's interior takes inspiration from mountain cabins in places like Crested Butte, Colorado. Photo by Brent Fuchs

It started as a small shed that was later renovated into a kitchen area, while the rest of the cabin was added later. Higgins did almost all the woodwork. He included his signature features from his days constructing houses—red and white oak flooring, timber, and a black walnut front door.

"This is inspired from my love for my little town that I lived in, and you know, I missed it," Higgins says. "I couldn't be there, so I'm going to have me a little spot here."

Trek continues to invite in wanderers from all over. The cabin's aesthetic proved appealing, as multiple reels went viral across social media, bringing in not only visitors from Edmond, Tulsa, and Dallas but also international patrons from the United Kingdom, Australia, Brazil, and Germany.

"The place really showed well on social media with the logs and the timbers and everything," Higgins says. "We got a lot of interest. People were curious what the place was. It started drawing people out. I was shocked."

Visitors can stop in for a Maple Cinnamon Latte seven days a week, but Trek also sells a cold brew concentrate for those who want a rich coffee flavor without the drive. Photo by Brent Fuchs

Baked goods and sweet treats look pretty behind glass at the register. Photo by Brent Fuchs

The atmosphere isn't the only appealing thing. Trek serves both permanent and seasonal menus. The seasonal menu previously included a salted caramel apple butter latte and a pumpkin cream chai tea latte in the fall and a lavender honey latte in the spring. The permanent menu contains café staples like an Americano, matcha, or hot chocolate, but the most popular drink is the Maple Cinnamon Latte—house roasted espresso with milk, maple syrup, and a dash of cinnamon.

For those feeling peckish or needing something to soak up the caffeine, Trek also serves a full menu with breakfast and sandwich options. Visitors will especially want to try the avocado toast and the breaded chicken sandwich. There's also a case near the register regularly filled with cinnamon rolls and brownies baked by Higgins' wife Christina as well as other goods from local bakers. During the summer months, guests delight in sitting outside while enjoying Trek's homemade ice cream—including flavors like salted caramel, red velvet, and peppermint mocha.

What started as a simple luxury for one man has expanded into a rustic getaway for any and all who make the trek to Trek.

Written By

Kiersten Stone

Just a small town girl living out her city dreams, Kiersten Stone is the Research Editor for Oklahoma Today. Stone previously worked at a local newspaper and at her university’s student news organization before coming to work at the magazine. She loves the Sooner State and all it offers, from the city to the outdoors and the wildlife.